One of the best part about attending fashion shows is that there is always a sea of creative souls with style aesthetics that is sometimes so far from mainstream that it’s downright eccentric. I find those souls to be the most eye-catching and inspiring, and I am sharing some of them with you in this post. Hopefully this post, showcasing, global/ethnic/tribal/African style and global/ethnic/tribal/African-inspired style will inspire you to break the mold by taking your own wardrobe “global.”
AFWNY is produced by Adiat Disu of Adiree
Recharge your wardrobe by adding a structured blazer and sexy flats (yes, I think flats can be sexy). The orange blazer seen here, (left) was purchased in Namibia. YesStyle.com has a similar puffy sharp-shoulder blazer for $36.00 If you like her giraffe print shoes (let’s give the cheetah a rest), you should look at Steve Madden Women’s, Vegas Flats. They retail for about $89.00.
A combination of print and color adds instant “WOW” to any wardrobe. If you like the dress on the right you might like the River Island Floral Print Peplum Dress available at Asos or you can visit the website of the designers featured in Mondays post (This is African Fashion!) for similar styles.
Yours truly on the red carpet wearing leather shorts from Asos and sheer top from H&M. I stepped out of the box a little by wearing stiletto heels (not platforms, not wedges and not shoes with the cuffed ankle) with my leather shorts. Outfit details in this post: Sleeveless Sheer Blouse and Leather Shorts.
Add a little color to your arm party by swapping out your metals for glass or glittery ethnic bangles like the ones pictured above. The bangles in the top photo is being worn by Image Consultant Amy McNish. They were a gift from Studio D’Maxsi Designs. I found similar bangles by Amirtha Singh on Endless.com ($100) and by Betsey Johnson “Rio” Green Glitter Wide Bangle Bracelet ($48.00) also on Endless.com.
I am so tired of seeing platforms and I know you probably are too. Swap those clunkers out for ultra feminine and chic cut out wedge (click on the link to see the heel details) booties like the United Nude cut-out booties ($557) available on farfetch.com seen here, worn by Shauntuel who works at their New York office.
I loved the mix of prints and textures above.
Add visual interest by mixing textures and prints and a color palette that is not ”on trend.”
Yours truly again with Henry Horne wearing Fashion Star Winner Kara Laricks’ High Low Hem Dress on day 2 of the runway events. Yes, I donned sandals and lost the belt for this event. I was taking photos and needed to be comfortable. But again, look at the way Mr. Horne combines, color, print and texture in his outfit. His accessories were also pretty fly. I want those glasses! I know the high-low dress is trending this summer, but why not pick one that has a bold pattern like the one I am wearing above.
Again, take note of the use of texture and print. I also love the hair on the young lady on the left. She has long braids and the sides are shaved. I also find her choice of leather and long sleeves for the summer, interesting. On the right, Adiat Disu, Africa Fashion Week New York City producer dons a tribal printed dress. Her guest on the right, dons a gold sequin dress which looks stunning against her cinnamon complexion and auburn natural hair.
Stand out gentlemen: Designer Bill Witherspoon on the left and Henry Horne ,(retired designer, but very Advanced Style chic) on the right.
These two gentlemen exude extreme confidence. They are not afraid to dress out of the box and I love them both for that reason.
Really beautiful print romper, tops and dresses worn by guests.
The prints on these dresses are very Versace, especially the one on the right. They are a bit “blogger chic” but you can’t deny that they are pretty. Again, the combination of prints and color delivers instant “WOW” to any wardrobe.
Again, confident gentlemen who are not afraid to step outside of fashion’s mainstream. I love the mix of traditional and contemporary looks seen on both men.
Add your thoughts to this discussion by leaving your comments below.
XoXo, Natasha
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: kejadian26
July 27, 2012 at 12:53 am
Wow its so fashionable!. I like the white shoes. This kind of report makes a change in fashion world
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July 21, 2012 at 9:45 am
Natasha, you look smashing, and I love the Red Carpet pic. Thanks for sharing your ideas. I have a thrifted vintage maxi with a strong print that I’m going to try to sneak in for Business Nightgown Friday, and I am always on the lookout for bangles that fit small wrists.